U.S. patent application number 14/720037 was filed with the patent office on 2020-05-14 for collapsible artificial tree.
This patent application is currently assigned to BALSAM INTERNATIONAL UNLIMITED COMPANY. The applicant listed for this patent is BALSAM HILL LLC. Invention is credited to BRUCE A. SCHOOLEY.
Application Number | 20200146490 14/720037 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48535923 |
Filed Date | 2020-05-14 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200146490 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
SCHOOLEY; BRUCE A. |
May 14, 2020 |
COLLAPSIBLE ARTIFICIAL TREE
Abstract
The artificial tree is collapsible by inverting a main trunk
thereof to swap positions of a first end and second end. The limbs
are pivotably attached to the main trunk so that they sag under
force of gravity from a deployed more horizontally extending
orientation to a collapsed more vertically extending orientation
when the main trunk is inverted. A base is preferably provided
which has wheels and static portions in contact with the ground for
supporting the tree thereon. A riser extending up from the base is
configured to have an end of the main trunk rest therein. A lock is
also preferably provided to hold an end of the trunk within the
riser of the base. A separate treetop portion is removably
attachable to ends of the trunk to complete the tree when in a
deployed configuration and for storage of the treetop when the tree
is not collapsed.
Inventors: |
SCHOOLEY; BRUCE A.; (Alamo,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BALSAM HILL LLC |
REDWOOD CITY |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
BALSAM INTERNATIONAL UNLIMITED
COMPANY
Dublin
IE
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20150250344 A1 |
September 10, 2015 |
|
|
Family ID: |
48535923 |
Appl. No.: |
14/720037 |
Filed: |
May 22, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13545283 |
Jul 10, 2012 |
9040130 |
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14720037 |
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13302873 |
Nov 22, 2011 |
8993077 |
|
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13545283 |
|
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12798496 |
Apr 5, 2010 |
8062718 |
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13302873 |
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PCT/US2008/013587 |
Dec 10, 2008 |
|
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12798496 |
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61629957 |
Nov 30, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49716 20150115;
A47G 2033/1273 20130101; A47G 33/12 20130101; A47G 33/06
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 33/06 20060101
A47G033/06; A47G 33/12 20060101 A47G033/12 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. An artificial tree comprising: a trunk including a first end
and a second end; a plurality of limbs attached to the trunk
adapted to move between a display position and a storage position;
and a base having a ground support portion adapted to rest upon an
underlying surface, the base adapted to support each of the first
end or the second end of the trunk, such that when the second end
is supported by the base with the first end substantially
vertically above the second end, the limbs move toward the storage
position as to be closer to the trunk than the display
position.
22. The tree of claim 21, wherein the limbs are adapted to be in
the display position when the second end of the trunk is supported
by the base with the first end substantially vertically above the
second end.
23. The tree of claim 21, wherein the base comprises a support
mount extending from the ground support portion of the base, the
support mount including a hole extending through the base, the hole
sized larger than at least one of the first end or the second end
of the trunk to enable the at least one of first end or the second
end of the trunk to be inserted into the hole to support the
trunk.
24. The tree of claim 23, wherein at least one of the first end or
the second end of the trunk is sized to reside over and upon an
outer side of the support mount to support the trunk with respect
to the base.
25. The tree of claim 21, wherein the base comprises support mount
extending from the ground support portion of the base, the support
mount including an elongate post extending from the base away from
the underlying surface, the elongate post sized smaller than each
of the first end and the second end of the trunk to enable each of
the first end or the second end of the trunk to extend along a
central axis of the elongate post for support of the trunk
substantially vertically with respect to the underlying surface on
which the base rests.
26. The tree of claim 21, further comprising a lock adapted to
releasably secure the at least one of the first end or the second
end of the trunk to the base.
27. The tree of claim 21, wherein the ground support portion of the
base includes at least two wheels to contact the underlying surface
and another portion opposite the wheels to contact the underlying
surface, such that the base can roll when tilted onto the wheels
and resists rolling when at least the other portion of the ground
support portion of the base contacts the underlying surface.
28. The tree of claim 21, wherein the portion of the ground support
portion that does not include any wheels includes a pivoting foot
with a surface comprising a tread to contact the underlying
surface, such that the base resists rolling when resting on the
pivoting foot.
29. The tree of claim 21, wherein the base includes a central arm
extending substantially horizontally with the support mounted
located in a central portion of the central arm, the central arm
extending out to a pair of outer arms substantially parallel to
each other and at opposite ends of the central arm, the outer arms
each having a wheel pivoting from one end and a pivoting foot
opposite the wheels, the pivoting foot of each the outer arms
adapted to resist rolling, and the wheels adapted to roll relative
to the outer arms.
30. The tree of claim 21, further comprising a treetop that
includes a top trunk and a plurality of limbs extending laterally
from the top trunk, the top trunk of the treetop being removably
attachable to the second end of the trunk.
31. The tree of claim 30, wherein the limbs of the treetop adapted
to pivot relative to the top trunk.
32. A method of using an artificial tree, the artificial tree
having a main trunk including a first end spaced axially apart from
a second end thereof, the method comprising: resting a base of the
artificial tree upon an underlying surface, the base including a
riser extending upward from the base while resting on the
underlying surface; the second end of the main trunk being attached
to the riser of the base with the first end of the main trunk
substantially vertically above the second end such that gravity
urges a plurality of limbs toward a storage configuration in which
the limbs are closer to horizontal than in the a deployed
configuration; removing the second end of the main trunk from the
riser; and attaching the first end of the main trunk to the riser
of the base with the second end of the main trunk substantially
vertically above the first end such that gravity urges the
plurality of limbs toward the storage configuration.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein while the main trunk is
supported by the base, the method further comprises: tilting the
artificial tree onto wheels attached to a ground support portion of
the base.
34. The method of claim 33, further comprising rolling the
artificial tree on the wheels from one position on the underlying
surface to another.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein the rolling occurs while the
artificial tree is one of the deployed configuration or the storage
configuration.
36. The method of claim 33, wherein the tilting occurs about at
least one pivoting foot attached to the base opposite the wheels,
each pivoting foot adapted to resist rolling on the wheels when the
wheels and each pivoting foot is resting on the underlying
surface.
37. The method of claim 32, further comprising locking the one of
the first end or the second end of the main trunk to the base.
38. The method of claim 32 further comprising attaching a treetop
to the first end of the main trunk.
39. An artificial tree comprising: a main trunk including a first
end and a second end; a plurality of limbs attached to the main
trunk adapted to move between a display position and a storage
position; a base having a ground support portion adapted to rest
upon an underlying surface, the base including a riser extending
from the base, each of the first end and the second end of the main
trunk being adapted to attach to the riser as to support the main
trunk and limbs above the base; a treetop that includes a top trunk
and a plurality of limbs extending laterally from the top trunk,
the top trunk of the treetop adapted to removably attach to the
second end of the main trunk; wherein when the second end is
supported by the base with the first end substantially vertically
above the second end, the limbs move toward the storage position as
to be closer to the main trunk than the display position; and
wherein when the first end is supported by the base with the second
end substantially vertically above the first end, the limbs move
toward the display position further away from the main trunk than
the storage position.
40. The tree of claim 39, wherein the base further comprises:
wheels to contact the underlying surface to enable the base to when
tilted onto the wheels; and at least one a pivoting foot spaced
apart from the wheels and including a contact surface to engage the
underlying surface, the pivoting foot adapted to pivot about a
pintle while the contact surface engages the underlying surface to
provide for rotation of the base about the pintle when the riser of
the base is tilted toward the pivoting foot, the pivoting foot
resisting movement of the base when the contact surface engages the
underlying surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit under Title 35, United
States Code .sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/629,957 filed on Nov. 30, 2011. This application is also a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/302,873, filed on Nov. 22, 2011 which is a continuation of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/798,496, filed on Apr. 5, 2010 and
issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,062,718 on Nov. 22, 2011 which claims
priority from International Patent Application No.
PCT/US2008/013587 filed on Dec. 10, 2008. This application
incorporates by reference the contents of U.S. Pat. No. 8,062,718
in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The following invention relates to artificial trees and
particularly artificial Christmas trees which can be collapsed and
stored when not in use and deployed when intended to be used. More
particularly, this invention relates to collapsible artificial
trees which collapse by inversion of the tree.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] When decorating a space, it is often desirable to include
trees as part of such decorations. To allow such decorations to
last substantially indefinitely without maintenance and allow for
repeated cycles of storage and deployment of such decorations, it
is desirable to provide artificial trees rather than live trees. An
example of such decorations are Christmas trees typically deployed
during holiday seasons occurring near the end of each calendar
year.
[0004] Such artificial trees are often configured to be collapsible
so that they take up a minimum of space during initial shipping and
inventory before being sold, and also to allow the user to store
the tree when not in use in a relatively small space and protected
from damage. Some such collapsible Christmas trees or other trees
have limbs which are removably attached from a central trunk. The
limbs typically include further branches which extend from the
limbs which can be formed of wire or other materials with the limbs
formed of wood, steel or other relatively rigid materials and the
central trunk formed of wood, metal or other materials that are
substantially rigid and strong enough to handle the loads
encountered by carrying the limbs. Typically, needles of an
artificial nature are fastened by wire, adhesive or otherwise to
the branches extending from the limbs and/or directly to the limbs
themselves.
[0005] In some cases lighting is permanently fixed to the limbs,
such as with lights coupled to cords and with the cords plugging
into a central cord running up the trunk With other collapsible
Christmas trees the limbs are not removed from the trunk but rather
pivot from a stored orientation to a deployed orientation. With
such trees the deployed orientation is generally perpendicular to
the trunk and the stored orientation is somewhere between
45.degree. pivoted away from horizontal to a substantially vertical
orientation parallel to the trunk.
[0006] While such pivotable limbs on Christmas trees have the
benefit of avoiding the requirement that the limbs be attached to
the central trunk, difficulty is encountered in transitioning the
limbs from a collapsed orientation to a deployed orientation. The
limb reorienting process is thus highly labor intensive as each
limb is adjustably positioned.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] With this invention an artificial tree is provided which is
collapsible by inverting a main trunk of the tree from a first
deployed orientation to a second collapsed orientation. The tree
includes a main trunk which is elongate in form extending from a
first end to a second end. Limbs are pivotably attached to the main
trunk between the first end and the second end. These limbs are
pivotably attached so that the limbs can pivot between a first
position when the main trunk is in the deployed orientation to a
second position when the main trunk is in the collapsed
orientation.
[0008] When in the deployed orientation the second end of the main
trunk is above the first end. When in a collapsed orientation, the
first end of the main trunk is above the second end. In the
collapsed orientation the limbs are closer to the second end of the
main trunk and less perpendicular to the main trunk. In the
deployed orientation, the limbs are oriented closer to horizontal
and further from the second end of the main trunk.
[0009] Optionally, the limbs can include branches which extend off
of the limbs and potentially also needles extending off of the
branches (in the case of artificial trees of a type which have
needles). Alternatively, leaves can be provided extending from the
branches and/or limbs. Lights can also be provided on the limbs and
branches. The lights are supplied with electric power by cords
which also support the lights thereon and carry electric power from
the main trunk.
[0010] In a most preferred embodiment a base is also provided along
with the main trunk. This base provides a support which can hold
the main trunk in the deployed orientation, and preferably but
optionally also in the collapsed configuration. The base includes a
trunk end supporter, such as in the form of a riser which extends
substantially vertically and to which one of the ends of the trunk
can be fixed. In the deployed configuration the first end of the
trunk is fixed to the riser. In the collapsed orientation the
second end of the trunk is fixed to the riser. The riser is
preferably carried upon a ground support portion preferably as a
portion of various arms joined together and with wheels at the ends
of some of the arms. Most preferably, non-moving feet of some kind
are also included on the ground support portion of the base so that
the base can be kept from rolling when resting upon a horizontal
surface or can be tilted somewhat onto wheels of the base and the
base can then facilitate easy moving of the trunk and base together
utilizing the wheels on the base.
[0011] In a most preferred embodiment the riser is fixed to the
trunk by configuring the riser to have a hollow core and sizing the
first end of the trunk to fit within this hollow core of the riser.
Preferably, the second end of the trunk is configured similarly to
the first end so that the second end can also fit within the hollow
core of the riser. In such a way, the trunk can be supported on the
base both when in the deployed configuration and in the collapsed
configuration.
[0012] Most preferably a lock is provided on the riser which can
secure one of the ends of the trunk to the riser. The lock prevents
undesired movement of the trunk relative to the riser of the base
except when the lock is disengaged. This lock is preferably carried
on the riser and interacts with the trunk near one of the ends. As
an alternative, the lock could be provided on each of the ends of
the trunk and configured to interact with the riser, or otherwise
configured partially on both the riser and ends of the trunk to
facilitate such locking.
[0013] In a most preferred embodiment a treetop is also provided
which provides an uppermost portion of an artificial tree. This
treetop is configured to have a top trunk of elongate form
extending from an upper end to a lower end. Limbs extend from this
top trunk which typically match limbs of the main trunk of the
artificial tree. The lower end of the treetop is configured to be
removably attachable to at least the second end of the main trunk
so that the treetop can be carried upon the main trunk to provide
an uppermost portion of the artificial tree when in the deployed
configuration. Optionally the limbs of the treetop can pivotably
attach to the top trunk of the treetop, in a manner such as that
provided by the limbs on the main trunk Optionally, the treetop has
the upper end also configured to be attachable to the first end of
the trunk so that the treetop can be carried upon the main trunk
when in the collapsed orientation.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to
provide an artificial tree which can be easily transitioned from a
collapsed orientation to a deployed orientation.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a tree
which is easy to store in a collapsed form and easy to deploy when
to be used.
[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a tree
which can be readily transitioned between a collapsed and a
deployed position with lights associated with the tree remaining
coupled to various different portions of the tree both in the
collapsed and the deployed configuration.
[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
Christmas tree which can be set up quickly.
[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
method for transitioning an artificial tree from a collapsed
configuration to a deployed configuration.
[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
artificial tree which can be inverted between an upside down
storage position and a right side up deployed position.
[0020] Other further objects of the present invention will become
apparent from a careful reading of the included drawing figures,
the claims and detailed description of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an alternative base providing
an alternative to the base of FIG. 2, the base configured for
supporting a trunk of an artificial tree of this invention thereon
in both a deployed orientation and a collapsed orientation.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a base for the artificial tree
of this invention according to a preferred embodiment, the base
configured to support the main trunk of the tree in both a deployed
and a collapsed orientation.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of that which is shown in FIG.
1.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of that which is shown in FIG.
2.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the collapsible
artificial tree of this invention with separate portions thereof
shown exploded away from each other and illustrating how a main
trunk portion can be inverted between a deployed orientation and a
collapsed orientation.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of that which is shown in
FIG. 5 with the collapsible artificial tree shown in the deployed
configuration, and with a treetop portion shown in broken
lines.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of that which is shown in
FIG. 6 but after inverting of the main trunk portion, and supported
upon the base of an alternative embodiment; and illustrating the
collapsed orientation for the collapsible artificial tree, and with
a treetop portion shown in broken lines also in a collapsed
orientation and resting upon an end of the main trunk of the
artificial tree.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a detail of a portion of that which is shown in
previous figures, illustrating how a limb can be pivotably attached
to the second trunk portion of the invertible tree of this
invention.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a detail similar to that which is shown in FIG. 8,
but after inverting the second trunk portion so that the limb
transitions to a stored configuration pivoting away from
substantially perpendicular to the second trunk portion.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of that which is shown in FIG. 8,
further illustrating details of a limb according to one form of
this invention and illustrating in broken lines how other limbs can
be provided in different circumferentially spaced orientations from
the second trunk portion of the invertible tree.
[0031] FIG. 11 is a detail similar to that which is shown in FIG.
8, but for an alternative embodiment limb and limb attachment to
the second trunk portion.
[0032] FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of that which is shown in
FIG. 11.
[0033] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of that which is shown in FIG.
11.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0034] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals
represent like parts throughout the various drawing figures,
reference numeral 10 is directed to a collapsible artificial tree
(FIGS. 6 and 7) which collapses by inverting a main trunk 40 of the
tree 10 (about arrow C of FIG. 6). In this way, when the tree 10 is
to be stored it has a lesser width to be stored in a smaller space.
A stand is also optionally provided in the form of a base 20 which
preferably includes wheels 30 and a riser 22 or other trunk 40 end
support which supports one of the ends 42, 44 of the main trunk 40
for either support of the tree 10 when in a deployed configuration
or when in a collapsed configuration (see FIGS. 6 and 7).
[0035] In essence, and with particular reference to FIGS. 5-7,
basic details of the tree 10 are described, according to a most
preferred embodiment. The tree 10 includes a base 20 (FIGS. 2-4)
which in a preferred form has a series of elements joined together
to form a main portion of the base 20. A riser 22 extends up from
the base 20 and defines one example of a portion of the base 20
which supports the tree 10 thereon. In particular, the riser 22
includes a hollow core 29 which can receive one of the ends 42, 44
of the main trunk 40 therein for support of the main trunk 40 of
the tree 10 in either a deployed configuration (FIG. 6) or in a
collapsed configuration (FIG. 7). Wheels 30 are optionally provided
on the base 20 to facilitate movement of the tree 10 in either the
collapsed configuration or the deployed configuration.
[0036] The main trunk 40 (FIGS. 5-7) is elongate in form extending
from a first end 42 to a second end 44. Limbs 50 are pivotably
attached to the main trunk 40. The limbs 50 are pivoted in such a
manner that they extend approximately horizontally when the main
trunk has the second end 44 over the first end 42 and with the
limbs 50 extending closer to vertically when the first end 42 of
the main trunk 40 is over the second end 44 of the main trunk 40
(FIG. 7). Branches 60 optionally extend from the limbs 50 and
lights 70 can optionally be provided on the branches 60 with wiring
for the lights 70 supported by the main trunk 40. A treetop 80 is
also preferably provided which can be removably attached to the
second end 44 of the main trunk 40 when the tree 10 is in the
deployed configuration (FIG. 6) and which can optionally attach to
the first end 42 of the main trunk 40 when the tree 10 has been
inverted and is in a collapsed orientation (FIG. 7). A first
alternative base 120 (FIGS. 1 and 3) and a second alternative base
220 (FIGS. 5-7) are also provided as alternative forms of the base
20 (FIGS. 2 and 4).
[0037] More specifically, and with particular reference to FIGS.
2-4, basic details of the base 20 of the preferred embodiment are
described. The base 20 provides a preferred form of ground support
for the tree 10. However, in some embodiments of the tree 10, no
base 20 is provided. Ends 42, 44 of the main trunk 40 can be
configured to rest upon the ground themselves or to rest upon some
other structure built into the ground which is configured to hold
the ends 42, 44 of the main trunk 40. For instance, holes of
appropriate size can be formed in the ground or some other
ground-like manmade structure and ends 42, 44 of the main trunk 40
can be placed therein for deployment and/or storage.
[0038] The base 20 generally includes a ground support portion
defining an underlying portion of the base 20 which can rest upon a
horizontal surface. This ground support portion preferably is
configured to come into contact with the ground directly and to
also preferably operate in conjunction with wheels 30 which are
pivotably attached to the base 20 and also in contact with the
ground. With a pair of wheels in contact with the ground and with
the ground support portion also in contact with the ground, the
base 20 can remain in fixed position when both the ground support
portion and the wheels 30 are in contact with the ground, and can
be readily moved if the base 20 is tilted slightly (typically with
other portions of the tree 10 supported upon the base 20) and then
the entire tree 10 and base 20 can be rolled upon the wheels. The
tree 10 is thus stable when erected and oriented vertically but can
be tilted onto the wheels and then readily rolled from one position
to another. Such movement can occur when the tree 10 is in a
deployed configuration (FIG. 6) or in a collapsed configuration
(FIG. 7).
[0039] With the preferred form of base 20, a riser 22 extends
vertically up from other portions of the base 20. As an
alternative, the riser 22 could be located largely below other
portions of the base 20, such that it is in the form of a hole
which extends down into the base 20. The riser 22 has a top 23
defining an uppermost portion thereof. A bottom 24 is provided
opposite the top 23 and is typically affixed to underlying support
portions of the base 20. A lock 25 is preferably provided near the
top 23 of the riser 22. This lock 25, in one form, includes a knob
26 which can be grasped by a user and extended toward and away from
the riser 22. A shaft 27 is coupled to the knob 26 and can be
selectively positioned extending into a hollow core 29 of the riser
22 or pulled out of the hollow core 29 of the riser 22. A
horizontal extension 28 is affixed to the riser 22 preferably in a
substantially horizontal orientation and with a hollow interior
allowing the shaft 27 to move through the horizontal extension 28
and intersect the hollow core 29.
[0040] The hollow core 29 preferably extends symmetrically about a
central axis of the riser 22. This central axis defines a line
along which the main trunk 40 of the tree 10 is oriented when the
main trunk 40 is supported upon the base 20 through the riser 22.
The ends 42, 44 of the main trunk 40 are each preferably sized to
fit within this hollow core 29 of the riser 22 for support of the
main trunk 40 of the tree 10 in either the deployed configuration
(FIG. 6) or in the collapsed configuration (FIG. 7).
[0041] While the riser 22 preferably has the hollow core 29
therein, it is conceivable that the riser 22 could have a solid
configuration (or be open) and the ends 42, 44 of the main trunk 40
could be sized to reside over and upon an outer side of the riser
22 so that a diameter of the riser 22 would be smaller than a
diameter of hollow ends 42, 44 of the main trunk 40 (or widths if
the cross-section of the riser 22 and/or the ends 42, 44 is other
than circular).
[0042] While the hollow core 29 is preferably defined as residing
within the riser 22, the base 20 could have a hole extending down
thereinto which would act similarly to the hollow core 29 of the
riser 22 and have a central axis along which the main trunk 40 can
be oriented. Such a hole extending into the base 20 would thus
function as an alternative to the riser 22 of the base 20 and still
provide support for the main trunk 40 of the tree 10.
[0043] In this preferred embodiment for the base 20, wheels 30 are
provided rotatably attached to rigid portions of the base 20
through axles 31. The rigid portions of the base 20 include a
series of elements. These elements preferably include outer arms 32
which are parallel to each other and spaced apart by a central arm
33. Two common ends of the outer arms 32 preferably each include
wheel gaps 34 thereon. At the wheel gaps 34, central portions of
the arms 32 have been removed sufficiently so that the wheel 30 can
reside within this wheel gap 34. Axles 31 span the wheel gap 34 and
support the wheels 30 in rotating fashion relative to the arms 32.
Wheels 30 are sized sufficiently large and positioned upon the
axles 31 at appropriate locations so that portions of the wheels 30
extend below lowermost portions of the outer arms 32. In this way,
the wheels 30 are in contact with an underlying support surface,
when the base 20 is in an upright orientation (see for instance
FIG. 4).
[0044] Ends of the outer arms 32 opposite the wheels 30 preferably
each include a pivoting foot 36. This pivoting foot 36 pivots about
a pintle 37 and includes a lowermost portion in the form of a tread
38. The pivoting foot 36 is not strictly required to pivot, but can
to some extend accommodate less than entirely flat surfaces more
completely with such a pivoting feature. The pivoting foot 36
preferably has a somewhat triangular configuration when viewed from
the side so that the tread 38 portion is relatively large to
provide a fixed portion of the ground support portion of the base
20 at ends of the outer arms 32 opposite the wheels 30. If desired,
locks can be provided on the wheels 30 so that the rotation of the
wheels 30 can be prevented, such as when it is desired that the
base 20 be particular stable. Utilization of the pivoting foot 36
also particularly resists sliding and horizontal movement of the
base 20 in a horizontal direction.
[0045] As an alternative to the base 20, an alternative base 120 is
provided (FIGS. 1 and 3). With the alternative base 120, a central
member 121 supports the riser 22 with a first axle member 124 at
one end of the central member 121 and a second axle member 126 at a
second end of the central member 121. Tips 127 of the first axle
member include wheels thereon rotatably supported upon the first
axle member 124 to facilitate rolling when the alternative base 120
is tipped up onto the wheels 130. Tips 127 of the second axle
member 126 include static wheels 128 or other ground support
portions thereon. Such static wheels 128 or other ground support
portions are preferably fixed to the second axle member 126 to
resist movement of the alternative base 120. Perspective views of
the base 20 and first alternative base 120 are shown in FIGS. 3 and
4 for comparison of their relative configurations. With either of
the bases 20, 120, a similar riser 22 is utilized in a preferred
form. Each form of base 20, 120 can also be configured with a
hollow core 29 extending down into the base 20, 120, rather than
having the riser 22 extending up from other portions of the base
20, 120.
[0046] With particular reference to FIGS. 5-7, details of a second
alternative base 220 are described. The second alternative base 220
is similar in many respects to the base 20 of the preferred
embodiment except that ground support portions which do not rotate
are not in the form of the pivoting foot 36, but rather are in the
form of a static wheel 238. Thus, the second alternative base 220
includes outer arms 232 with wheels 230 at first ends thereof and
with static wheels 238 at second ends thereof opposite the first
ends. With any of the bases 20, 120, 220 the tree 10 can be tilted
(about arrow D of FIG. 7) up onto the wheels 30, 130, 230 and then
rolled about, in either the deployed or the collapsed
orientation.
[0047] With particular reference to FIGS. 5-7, details of the main
trunk 40 are described, according to a most preferred embodiment.
The main trunk 40 defines a portion of the collapsible artificial
tree 10 which support limbs 50 and other decorative features of the
tree 10 and which undergo collapse when the main trunk 40 is
inverted (arrow C of FIG. 6). The main trunk 40 is elongate in form
and preferably rigid. The main trunk 40 can have various different
heights, but it is desirable that the main trunk 40 maintain
sufficiently low weight that it can be carried by an individual
when grasped by the user's hand and held away from the body far
enough to be inverted.
[0048] The main trunk 40 extends from a first end 42 to a second
end 44. These ends 42, 44 are preferably circular in
cross-sectional form and have a size slightly smaller than a size
of the hollow core 29. In this way, both the first end 42 and
second end 44 can be placed within the hollow core 29 of the base
20. Preferably, when deployed (FIG. 6) the first end 42 of the main
trunk 40 is fitted within the hollow core 29 of the riser 22 (FIG.
5). Such positioning of the first end 42 into the riser 22 occurs
along arrow A (FIG. 5). The tree 10 thus appears similar to that
depicted in FIG. 6. If conversion from the deployed configuration
(FIG. 6) to the stored configuration (FIG. 7) is desired, a user
first removes the main trunk 40 from the hollow core 29 of the
riser 22 of the base 20. The user can then invert the main trunk 40
(about arrow C of FIG. 6), so that the first end 42 and second end
44 are swapped. The second end 44 is preferably configured
similarly to the first end 42 so that the second end 44 can be
inserted into the riser 22 of the base 20 so that the base 20
functions to support other portions of the tree 10 both when in a
deployed orientation and in a collapsed orientation (FIG. 7).
[0049] In one embodiment, the main trunk 40 includes limb support
collars 45 at spaced intervals there along. These limb support
collars 45 are provided adjacent where limbs 50 are pivotably
attached to the base 20. Each limb 50 includes a root 51 adjacent
the main trunk 40 and opposite a tip 55. An axle 52 is provided
attaching the limbs 50 in a rotatable fashion to the main trunk 40.
A stop 54 is provided on at least one side of where the limbs 50
attach to the main trunk 40 which stop acts to keep the limbs 50
from pivoting beyond an amount desired. The limbs 50 can be
configured in a variety of different ways and be pivotably attached
to the main trunk 40 in a variety of different ways. In one
embodiment the limbs 50 are attached to the main trunk 40 in the
manner depicted in FIGS. 8-12.
[0050] With particular reference to FIGS. 12-17, details of the
limbs 50 and branches 60 of the tree 10 are described according to
one embodiment. The limbs 50 could be attached to the trunk 40 in
many different ways including in fixed fashion or in a fashion
which is removable but not pivotable. However, most preferably the
limbs 50 are pivotably attached to the trunk 40. Such pivoting
preferably allows for rotation of the limbs 50 between a
perpendicular orientation (actually substantially perpendicular but
preferably slightly angled upwardly, when the trunk 40 is oriented
vertically) and a collapsed configuration closer to the angle of
the trunk 40 centerline than to perpendicular to the trunk 40
centerline.
[0051] Most preferably, this collapsed angle for the limbs 50 is
70.degree. away from the deployed configuration for the limbs 50.
Such rotation of the limbs 50 is depicted by arrow E (FIGS. 8, 9
and 11). While the limbs appear to pivot upward, they in fact pivot
downward after the trunk 40 has rotated (about arrow C (FIG. 8)) so
that the limbs 50 actually rotate downward by gravity forces, but
only when the trunk 40 has been rotated from the deployed
configuration to the stored orientation. When this action is
reversed and the trunk 40 is rotated from the stored orientation to
the deployed orientation, the limbs 50 pivot in an opposite
direction to the deployed configuration approximately perpendicular
to a centerline of the trunk 40.
[0052] Each of the limbs 50 is preferably an elongate rigid
structure with a plurality of such limbs 50 radiating from the
rotating trunk 40. Most preferably, the limbs 50 extend in many
different directions radially from the trunk 40 (FIG. 10) when a
complete symmetrical generally conical bushy invertible Christmas
tree 10 is to be provided. The limbs 50 generally each include a
root 51 defining an end thereof closest to the trunk 40 and a tip
55 opposite the root 51. A hinge 52 is located at the root 51 to
pivotably attach the limbs 50 to the trunk 40. A stop 54 is
provided to prevent the limbs 50 from rotating either past
substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the trunk 40 when in
the deployed configuration or past a collapsed angle, such as
70.degree., away from the deployed configuration.
[0053] A core 46 passing through an interior of the trunk 40 is
preferably hollow. Such a hollow core 46 minimizes weight of the
trunk 40 while maintaining strength for the trunk 40 and also
optionally provides a pathway through which electric equipment for
the lights 70 can be routed. Slots 48 (FIGS. 8-13) are formed in
the trunk 40 through which limbs 50 can interface in a rotating
fashion relative to the trunk 40.
[0054] In the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9 this stop 54 is in the
form of a flange of material extending substantially
perpendicularly from the extent of the limbs 50 from the root 51 to
the tip 55. In the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12 the root 51 of the
limbs 50 merely passes through a slot 48 in the trunk 40 and a
lower portion of this slot 48 acts as the stop 54. The hinge 52
generally includes at least one axle 52 or axle-like structure
about which the limbs 50 can pivotably move relative to the trunk
40.
[0055] Branches 60 optionally but preferably radiate from the limbs
50 in a pattern which mimics at least some natural tree or
otherwise has a desirable form. Typically, needles also extend from
the branches 60. These needles 62 can be actual natural needles
such as pine needles, but most typically are synthetic structures
such as attached by wire or adhesive to the branches 60. It is also
conceivable that needles 62 can also be directly attached to the
limbs 50. The branches 60 can have a generally planar form such as
might exist on a noble fir, or might have a more bushy cylindrical
form which might be provided on many different types of pines.
Needles 62 can also be long or short depending on the design
characteristics desired for the tree 10.
[0056] With particular reference to FIGS. 8-12, details of the
lights 70 are described. Most preferably, the tree 10 is also
permanently wired with lights 70. A plug 74 is provided which is
removably attachable to a power receptacle P. A cord 72 extends
from the plug 74 to the rotating trunk 40. At the joint 36, this
cord 72 preferably splits into two separate cords, one of which
extends towards the first end 42 of the trunk 40 and the other of
which extends towards the second end 44 of the trunk 40.
[0057] As these cords pass the limbs 50, the cords are routed out
the limbs 50 and terminate at various different locations with
lights 70. Various different controllers can be provided and
various different lights can be provided if desired so that a
variety of different light displays can be provided through the
lights 70. The cord 72 can be routed through an interior of the
trunk 40 (and also conceivable through an interior of the limbs
50). Perhaps in a simplest form of the invention, the cord 72 can
merely be wrapped around an exterior of the fixed trunk 30 and an
exterior of the trunk 40. The cord 72 can be camouflaged to have a
color similar to that of the fixed trunk 30, trunk 40 and limbs 50
(i.e. green) to help hide the cords 72.
[0058] Most preferably the main trunk 40 and limbs 50 extending
therefrom do not define the entire tree 10 above the base 20.
Rather, a treetop 80 is preferably provided which is removably
attachable to the second end 44 of the main trunk 40 to define an
uppermost portion of the tree 10. This treetop 80 includes a top
trunk 82 with limbs 84 extending therefrom laterally. These limbs
84 could be in fixed orientation relative to the trunk 82 or could
pivot similar to the pivoting of the limbs 50 relative to the main
trunk 40.
[0059] The trunk 82 extends from an upper end 86 to a lower end 88.
The lower end 88 is configured to be attachable to the second end
44 of the main trunk 40 (FIG. 6). Furthermore, the upper end 86 of
the treetop 80 can optionally be configured to be attachable to the
second end 44 of the main trunk 40. In such a configuration, the
treetop 80 can be stored when resting upon the uppermost first end
42 of the main trunk 40 when the tree 10 is in the collapsed
orientation (FIG. 7). As another alternative, when collapsed the
treetop 80 can be supported upon a separate support riser extending
upward from a portion of the base 20 provided for this particular
purpose.
[0060] The treetop 80 would also typically be sufficiently light
and easy to handle that it could be stored in a separate box away
from the main trunk 40 and base 20. Attachment of the treetop 80 to
the main trunk 40 occurs along arrow B (FIGS. 6 and 7). The entire
tree 10 and base 20 can be pivoted together up onto the wheels 30,
130, 230, such by pivoting about arrow D (FIG. 7) to facilitate
rolling of the tree 10. Pivoting of the limbs 50 relative to the
main trunk 40 occurs along arrow E (FIG. 7).
[0061] This disclosure is provided to reveal a preferred embodiment
of the invention and a best mode for practicing the invention.
Having thus described the invention in this way, it should be
apparent that various different modifications can be made to the
preferred embodiment without departing from the scope and spirit of
this invention disclosure. When structures are identified as a
means to perform a function, the identification is intended to
include all structures which can perform the function specified.
When structures of this invention are identified as being coupled
together, such language should be interpreted broadly to include
the structures being coupled directly together or coupled together
through intervening structures. Such coupling could be permanent or
temporary and either in a rigid fashion or in a fashion which
allows pivoting, sliding or other relative motion while still
providing some form of attachment, unless specifically
restricted.
* * * * *